New Study Reveals Effects Of Tattoos On The Immune System

Even though tattoos are generally accepted in our society, they're still regarded as taboo by some. Admittedly, getting your body permanently inked is not for everyone but maybe this new study will help you make up your mind.

The study collected saliva from male and female participants between the ages of 18-47 before and after tattoo sessions. They measured immune function by monitoring the secretory immunoglobulin and cortisol in the saliva.

The results revealed the "body habituates over time to the tattooing stressor" which suggests an immune system boost is very likely when you get inked. Additionally, the study found that those who had multiple tattoos showed healthier immune systems in comparison to those who were just getting inked for the first time. People who were getting their first tattoo showed a drop in immunoglobulin A and a rise in cortisol levels while the people who had been tattooed multiple times exhibited the opposite.

Researcher Christopher Lynn explains: "After the stress response, your body returns to an equilibrium." He adds, "However, if you continue to stress your body over and over again, instead of returning to the same set point, it adjusts its internal set points and moves higher."

Basically, tattoos do more good than harm and if a stronger immune system isn't excuse enough to get that second tattoo then I don't know what is.